When Is Fibroid Removal Necessary?

When treating the symptoms of uterine fibroids no longer brings relief, it’s time to think about fibroid removal. 

There are a number of options for removal of fibroids. 

The most drastic option is hysterectomy. This involves surgically removing the uterus. It’s an invasive procedure, and is permanent. Many unnecessary hysterectomies  are being performed when other treatment options are available. 

Other options for fibroid removal include:
 
• Myomectomy. This surgical procedure removes the fibroids without removing the uterus. 

• Uterine Fibroid Embolization. Also called Uterine Artery Embolization, this non-surgical procedure blocks the blood supply to the fibroids, causing them to dry up.
This procedure normally requires a hospital stay because of intense cramping and pain involved with the procedure. The pain is treated with narcotics in most cases. 

• Focused Ultrasound. The MR Guided Focused Ultrasound treatment is a non-invasive procedure that uses an MRI scanner to focus high ultrasound energy at the fibroids at a temperature high enough to destroy the fibroid without harming anything else. 

It’s important that women know all the treatment options for fibroid removal before making a decision.